Panthers...30 Broncos...10

In front of their ailing owner, the Carolina Panthers finished off a perfect regular season at home with a dominating performance that had to make Jerry Richardson proud.

Four days after it was announced Richardson needs a heart transplant, he checked out of the hospital and was in his end zone suite, watching Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams power the Panthers past the Denver Broncos, 30-10.

In clinching at least a tie for the NFC South title and moving closer to their first playoff berth in three years, the Panthers (11-3) improved to 8-0 at home and prevented the Broncos (8-6) from clinching the AFC West.

Taking advantage of a thin Denver secondary missing Champ Bailey (groin) and Marlon McCree (ankle), Smith caught nine passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. Williams had a 56-yard touchdown run and the Panthers’ defense shut down Jay Cutler and the league’s second-rated offense.

Jonathan Stewart added another touchdown and got most of the carries in the second half after the team said Williams was shaken up.

The Panthers visit the New York Giants next week with the No. 1 seeding in the NFC on the line.

Quoteworthy: “We need to win and take care of business as fast as possible.” -- Dre’ Bly, Broncos cornerback